Rain worry for top contenders
Alan Swinbank has warned Collier Hill may not run if the ground is too soft, while the trainers of Day Flight and Sergeant Cecil also want no more rain on the Knavesmire.
Rod Millman is hoping history-maker Sergeant Cecil will handle conditions so that they can bid for the major staying prizes in France later in the season.
The seven-year-old bids for his first Pattern race success having finished second in last season’s Doncaster Cup. He was fourth to Mubtaker in a Group Three at Newbury on his reappearance.
“He’s in very good form but obviously the weather is a bit of concern,” said Millman. “He hasn’t run on this ground before but unless you run on it you will never know.
“If we’re going to go to France later in the year for races like the Prix Gladiateur you need to know if you can handle soft ground.
“Whatever wins tomorrow will have to stay the trip.
“It’s the minimum for him really but it was a good run over a mile and a half first time out.”
John Gosden is hoping the going does not turn heavy for recent Gordon Richards Stakes winner Day Flight, who is the 5-2 favourite for the race with Ladbrokes.
“He’s fine since his last race. I think most people would not be wanting to see anymore rain up there,” said the Newmarket trainer.
